I am very behind in writing this post but still wanted to do it…better late than never!
Originally this race was not on my radar at all. Back in late April we went to my cousin Richard’s to celebrate his birthday and I got talked into it – Richard, his wife Sue, their son Rick, daughter Jen and even their granddaughter Sydney were all doing it. At first I wanted to say no because I already had 3 races for the month of May, but then I quickly decided I didn’t want to miss out on all the fun and the month of MAYhem was in full affect.
The race is about 1 hour north of us and on an early race morning that would mean getting up VERY early. Thankfully my thoughtful cousins offered to have us stay the night on Friday and save an extra hour of sleep and this way we could all go to the race together. This worked out great especially since they run a super cute B&B out of their house in Redondo Beach so our room was beautiful.
This is a great sized race, small and local but big enough to have full support and excitement as well. I wasn’t too concerned going into this race because I wasn’t planning on “racing” it this was more just for fun and the experience. However, I hadn’t run all week since my last race and I was a bit worried about my shin splints.
Jen and Rick
Miss Sydney, only 12 and ready to tackle her first half marathon!
Richard and Sue, easily one of the cutest couples ever!
Nice grey sky start.
No matter how many times I line up at the start of a race I am still always nervous. It usually shakes off quickly but it is just funny how that feeling never goes away. The course is really nice, some rolling hills but nothing too crazy I actually really enjoyed it. Some beautiful views. Though my feet did miss the dirt, wanted back on those trails…
This race was all about running it with Sue and Sydney, this was a first half marathon for both girls and I loved sharing that experience with them. I can not say enough how impressed I was with Sydney! I think we were all a bit worried that she got in over her head and didn’t fully understand just how far 13.1 miles was, she had only ran 6 miles prior. She just charged on and did not complain once about anything, she carried herself with a smile and great attitude the entire time – so proud.
We were doing a run 8 minutes, walk one schedule that seemed to be working really well (that is when we could figure out the math and remember our next stop time…ha), we were actually quite a bit ahead of pace for the first 9 miles or so. Around 9.5 or so our walk breaks started getting a bit longer, the distance was setting in. Sue started having some breathing issues that actually worried me a bit, she said she hadn’t experienced them before. She kept telling us to take off and leave her but I assured her that was NOT going to happen, can’t get rid of us.
Sydney and Sue powering on.
Beautiful views!
Just 12 and finished her first half marathon. Watch out cross country team!
Yeah Sue, so proud of you!!!
I think it’s safe to say that everyone had a good time because we spent the rest of the morning discussing our outfits for next year and other possible races. I always try to warn people how addictive this stuff is….
After the race we went back to the B&B to shower and change, then to Ricks to hang out. Sadly we couldn’t stay too long cause we had dinner plans to get home for but Ryleigh was able to get in a little bit of cousin play time.
Ryleigh and Jen's little girl Lilly who is 5 weeks older - so cute.
